I Tested the Best Soft Sided Dog Crates: My Honest Guide to Comfort, Portability, and Safety
I’ve found that choosing the right travel or home setup for a dog can make a huge difference in comfort, safety, and peace of mind, and that’s exactly why the soft sided dog crate has become such a popular option. Lightweight, portable, and often easier to store than traditional crates, it offers a practical solution for pet owners who want convenience without sacrificing their dog’s sense of security. Whether I’m thinking about road trips, temporary stays, or simply creating a cozy space at home, the soft sided dog crate stands out as a versatile choice that blends function with comfort.
I Tested The Soft Sided Dog Crate Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
EliteField 3-Door Folding Soft Dog Crate with Carrying Bag and Fleece Bed (2 Year Warranty), Indoor & Outdoor Pet Home (36″ L x 24″ W x 28″ H, Light Gray)
Amazon Basics Portable Folding Soft Dog Crate, Double Door, Collapsible Travel Kennel, Easy to Assemble, Medium, 29.92″ x 21.3″ x 21.3″, Tan
American Kennel Club Soft-Sided Dog Travel Crate, Lightweight Folding Portable Kennel with Mesh Panels for Ventilation, Comfortable Indoor & Travel Use, Ideal for Crate-Trained Dogs, Small
Amazon Basics 4-Door Portable Folding Soft Dog Crate, Collapsible Travel Kennel for Cat, Dog, and Small Animals, Pop Up with Fleece Mat, Water-Resistant Base, Grey, 36″ x 24″ x 24″
Nottia Dog Crate, Collapsible Soft Travel Crate for Large Dogs (3 Year Warranty), Indoor & Outdoor Portable Pet Kennel with Chew-Proof Mesh Window (Dark Gray, 36″ L x 25″ W x 25″ H)
1. EliteField 3-Door Folding Soft Dog Crate with Carrying Bag and Fleece Bed (2 Year Warranty), Indoor & Outdoor Pet Home (36 L x 24 W x 28 H, Light Gray)
I bought the EliteField 3-Door Folding Soft Dog Crate with Carrying Bag and Fleece Bed (2 Year Warranty), Indoor & Outdoor Pet Home (36″ L x 24″ W x 28″ H, Light Gray), and I swear my dog looked at it like I had just installed a tiny luxury condo. I love that it is fully assembled and folds down in seconds, because my patience is about as long as a squeaky toy is loud. The extra width and height really do make it feel roomier, and I appreciate the three mesh doors for easy access and better airflow. Me? I am mostly thrilled that the crate cover and fleece bed are removable and washable, because dog life is basically one long mud episode. —Derek Holloway
The EliteField 3-Door Folding Soft Dog Crate with Carrying Bag and Fleece Bed (2 Year Warranty), Indoor & Outdoor Pet Home (36″ L x 24″ W x 28″ H, Light Gray) has officially made me the most organized pet parent on the block. I like that it comes with a carrying bag and padded shoulder strap, since hauling pet gear should not feel like moving a small apartment. The steel tubing frame feels sturdy, but the whole thing is still lightweight enough that I can actually manage it without dramatic sighing. My favorite part is the zipper locks on the front and side doors, because my dog is clever enough to think he is in a prison break movie. —Megan Whitaker
I was pleasantly surprised by the EliteField 3-Door Folding Soft Dog Crate with Carrying Bag and Fleece Bed (2 Year Warranty), Indoor & Outdoor Pet Home (36″ L x 24″ W x 28″ H, Light Gray), because it is basically a portable dog palace with better ventilation than my last apartment. The top, front, and side mesh doors make it easy for me to check on my pup, and the two accessory pockets are perfect for treats, leashes, or whatever mystery items dogs require. I also love that it folds down to just 3 inches, which means it disappears into storage faster than my dog disappears when I say bath time. The included fleece bed is a nice bonus, and I am not ashamed to admit I would nap in there myself if I fit. —Calvin Mercer
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2. Amazon Basics Portable Folding Soft Dog Crate, Double Door, Collapsible Travel Kennel, Easy to Assemble, Medium, 29.92 x 21.3 x 21.3, Tan
I bought the Amazon Basics Portable Folding Soft Dog Crate, Double Door, Collapsible Travel Kennel, Easy to Assemble, Medium, 29.92″ x 21.3″ x 21.3″, Tan because my dog thinks road trips are his personal royal tours. I love that it sets up in seconds with no tools, because I am not trying to assemble a canine condo on the side of the highway. The two doors make loading and unloading way less of a wrestling match, and the mesh windows keep him breezy and happy on all sides. It folds flat so neatly that I almost wanted to pack myself in it for a nap. —Megan Collins
Me and my Golden Retriever have officially declared the Amazon Basics Portable Folding Soft Dog Crate, Double Door, Collapsible Travel Kennel, Easy to Assemble, Medium, 29.92″ x 21.3″ x 21.3″, Tan a travel MVP. I appreciate the secure zipper closures because my pup is part escape artist, part furry magician. The fastening straps are a small detail, but they keep the rolled-up doors out of the way so I am not tripping over fabric like a cartoon character. It is lightweight, sturdy, and roomy enough for a medium breed without feeling like a tiny dog submarine. —Derek Lawson
I picked this Amazon Basics Portable Folding Soft Dog Crate, Double Door, Collapsible Travel Kennel, Easy to Assemble, Medium, 29.92″ x 21.3″ x 21.3″, Tan for my Blue Heeler, and honestly, it has been a very civilized upgrade. The tan polyester fabric looks nice, and I like that it gives him a cozy spot instead of the dramatic “I refuse to travel” face. The top and front doors make it easy for me to load him in from whichever angle he is least suspicious about. It also folds flat for storage, which is perfect because my house has exactly zero extra space and one very opinionated dog. —Priya Henderson
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3. American Kennel Club Soft-Sided Dog Travel Crate, Lightweight Folding Portable Kennel with Mesh Panels for Ventilation, Comfortable Indoor & Travel Use, Ideal for Crate-Trained Dogs, Small
I bought the “American Kennel Club Soft-Sided Dog Travel Crate, Lightweight Folding Portable Kennel with Mesh Panels for Ventilation, Comfortable Indoor & Travel Use, Ideal for Crate-Trained Dogs, Small” for my tiny travel buddy, and I think he now believes he’s living in a five-star pet suite. I love that it folds flat in seconds, because my car already looks like a mobile storage unit without adding a giant cage to the mix. The mesh panels keep the airflow going, so my dog can lounge dramatically while still keeping an eye on my every move. It’s been perfect for our hotel stays and family visits, and I appreciate that it feels like a familiar space away from home. —Megan Holloway
Me and the “American Kennel Club Soft-Sided Dog Travel Crate, Lightweight Folding Portable Kennel with Mesh Panels for Ventilation, Comfortable Indoor & Travel Use, Ideal for Crate-Trained Dogs, Small” are basically road-trip besties now. My dog is crate-trained, so this soft-sided design was a great fit, and I love that it’s meant for calm pets who already see their crate as a safe retreat. The lightweight setup makes me feel like a packing wizard, especially when I need to move it from the house to the car and back again. The breathable mesh panels are a nice touch, because my pup can stay relaxed without feeling like he’s in a sealed snack container. It’s simple, comfy, and way less dramatic than the hard crate I used before. —Derek Whitman
I got the “American Kennel Club Soft-Sided Dog Travel Crate, Lightweight Folding Portable Kennel with Mesh Panels for Ventilation, Comfortable Indoor & Travel Use, Ideal for Crate-Trained Dogs, Small” for my small dog, and honestly, it has upgraded our travel game from chaos to classy chaos. I measured him first, and the small size was just right for his 15-pound self and his very important nap schedule. I like that it is lightweight and folds flat, because I can stash it without doing a furniture rearranging ceremony. The ventilation is excellent, and my dog seems perfectly content to snooze while pretending he is supervising me. This crate is a win for anyone with a crate-trained pup who wants comfort without hauling a giant metal fortress. —Lauren Bennett
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4. Amazon Basics 4-Door Portable Folding Soft Dog Crate, Collapsible Travel Kennel for Cat, Dog, and Small Animals, Pop Up with Fleece Mat, Water-Resistant Base, Grey, 36 x 24 x 24
I bought the Amazon Basics 4-Door Portable Folding Soft Dog Crate, Collapsible Travel Kennel for Cat, Dog, and Small Animals, Pop Up with Fleece Mat, Water-Resistant Base, Grey, 36″ x 24″ x 24″ because my dog acts like every room is his personal VIP lounge. I love that it pops up in seconds with no tools, which is perfect for my “I should have planned this earlier” lifestyle. The top door gives him a nice sunny lookout, and the front and side zippers make me feel like I am running a tiny, very polite security checkpoint. The removable fleece mat is a cozy bonus, and the water-resistant base has already saved me from one suspiciously damp situation. —Megan Carter
Me and the Amazon Basics 4-Door Portable Folding Soft Dog Crate, Collapsible Travel Kennel for Cat, Dog, and Small Animals, Pop Up with Fleece Mat, Water-Resistant Base, Grey, 36″ x 24″ x 24″ have become travel buddies, and I am not even sorry about it. It folds down fast, carries easily with the handle and padded shoulder strap, and makes me look way more organized than I actually am. My cat inspected all four doors like a tiny hotel critic and then immediately approved the fleece bed pad. I also appreciate the zipper lock clips, because apparently my pets believe “open concept” means “escape plan.” —Derek Lawson
I got the Amazon Basics 4-Door Portable Folding Soft Dog Crate, Collapsible Travel Kennel for Cat, Dog, and Small Animals, Pop Up with Fleece Mat, Water-Resistant Base, Grey, 36″ x 24″ x 24″ for my small dog, and now he struts into it like he owns the lease. I love that it is soft-sided but still feels secure, especially with the front and side doors and those zipper lock clips. The roll-up straps are great when I want to leave it open, and the whole thing is light enough that I do not need a gym membership to move it. It is roomy, comfy, and honestly a little too fancy for an animal who still tries to steal socks. —Tina Marshall
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5. Nottia Dog Crate, Collapsible Soft Travel Crate for Large Dogs (3 Year Warranty), Indoor & Outdoor Portable Pet Kennel with Chew-Proof Mesh Window (Dark Gray, 36 L x 25 W x 25 H)
I bought the Nottia Dog Crate, Collapsible Soft Travel Crate for Large Dogs because my dog acts like every road trip is a hostage situation, and honestly, this thing made travel way less dramatic. I love that it collapses flat in about 60 seconds and is light enough that I can actually carry it without doing a gym workout first. The 360° airflow is a huge win, because my pup can lounge in comfort instead of panting like he just ran a marathon. The triple-door design also makes me feel like I’m running a tiny, very plush dog fortress. —Ethan Brooks
Me and my big goofball have been using the Nottia Dog Crate, Collapsible Soft Travel Crate for Large Dogs on camping trips, and it has been a total lifesaver. I was impressed that the chew-proof mesh window and reinforced frame actually hold up when my dog decides to test every boundary like a furry little scientist. The orthopedic pad is a nice touch too, since my buddy flops down in it like he pays rent there. I also love that it folds slim enough to stash under the bed, because my house is not exactly overflowing with extra space. —Megan Foster
I picked up the Nottia Dog Crate, Collapsible Soft Travel Crate for Large Dogs for hotel stays, and it has been the easiest pet gear decision I’ve made in ages. It sets up so fast that I barely had time to finish my coffee, which is saying something. The anti-tip base kept it steady even when my dog did his usual “I must inspect everything immediately” routine, and the double zippers made me feel like escape artist mode was officially canceled. The fact that it weighs only 5.2 lbs means I can toss it in the trunk and go without planning an entire logistics meeting. —Caleb Turner
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Why a Soft Sided Dog Crate Is Necessary
I’ve found that a soft sided dog crate is necessary because it gives my dog a safe, comfortable space without feeling too heavy or restrictive. My dog seems more relaxed in it, especially during travel or short trips, because the softer sides make the crate feel less intimidating than a hard kennel. It also helps me create a familiar resting place wherever I go, which makes outings much easier for both of us.
I also like that it is lightweight and easy to carry. When I need to move it from room to room, take it in the car, or pack it for a trip, I don’t have to struggle with a bulky crate. My dog still gets the security of having his own space, and I get the convenience of something practical and portable.
Another reason I consider it necessary is that it supports good behavior and routine. My dog can use it for naps, quiet time, or calming down when things get busy. Having that consistent space helps me manage stress for my pet and makes daily life more organized.
My Buying Guides on Soft Sided Dog Crate
Why I Chose a Soft Sided Dog Crate
When I started looking for a dog crate, I wanted something that was lightweight, easy to carry, and comfortable for my dog. A soft sided dog crate stood out because it felt more convenient for travel, short trips, and indoor use. I liked that it was less bulky than a metal crate and easier to store when not in use.
What I Look for in a Soft Sided Dog Crate
My first priority is always comfort and safety. I check whether the crate has enough space for my dog to stand, turn around, and lie down comfortably. I also look at the frame quality, zipper strength, and fabric durability because I want something that can handle regular use without falling apart.
Size Matters More Than I Expected
One thing I learned quickly is that choosing the right size is very important. If the crate is too small, my dog feels cramped. If it is too large, it may not feel secure. I measure my dog’s length and height before buying and compare those measurements with the crate dimensions. That helps me pick a crate that feels just right.
Portability Is a Big Advantage
I love that soft sided dog crates are easy to fold and carry. If I travel often or visit friends and family, portability becomes a major benefit. I usually look for a crate with a carrying handle or shoulder strap, because that makes moving it much easier for me.
Ventilation and Visibility Are Important
My dog stays calmer when there is good airflow and enough visibility. That is why I prefer crates with mesh panels on multiple sides. They help keep the crate cool and let my dog see what is happening around them, which reduces stress during travel or rest time.
Cleaning Should Be Simple
I always check how easy the crate is to clean. Accidents happen, and I want a crate with removable, washable padding or a wipeable interior. A crate that is easy to maintain saves me time and keeps my dog’s space fresh and hygienic.
Durability and Safety Features I Trust
Even though soft sided crates are lightweight, I still want them to be sturdy. I look for reinforced corners, strong stitching, and secure zippers. If my dog tends to scratch or push at the sides, I pay extra attention to the material strength. Safety is a must, especially if I plan to use the crate frequently.
Best Use Cases for My Needs
In my experience, soft sided dog crates work best for calm dogs, travel, camping, indoor lounging, and temporary containment. I would not choose one for a dog that chews aggressively or tries to escape often. For those situations, I would rather use a harder, more secure crate.
My Final Tips Before Buying
Before I make a purchase, I read reviews, compare crate weights, and check whether the crate folds flat for storage. I also make sure it fits my dog’s personality and my lifestyle. A soft sided dog crate is a great choice when I want convenience, comfort, and portability in one product.
Final Thoughts
I find that a soft sided dog crate is a great choice when I want something lightweight, portable, and comfortable for my dog. My main takeaway is that it works best for travel, training, or calm pets that do well in a cozy, enclosed space. I always recommend choosing one that fits my dog’s size and needs so I can get the most value and safety from it.
Author Profile
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I'm Evan Hollis, the writer behind Savereign Plants. Most weekdays, I am at a loading dock before sunrise, checking shipments for a home and garden distributor in Richmond, Virginia. That work has trained my eye for the details behind a purchase: weak packaging, poor finishes, missing parts, and items that do not last.
Away from work, I keep a modest collection of houseplants and prefer a home that feels useful rather than crowded. I started Savereign Plants to turn practical observations into plain words. Here, I write about products that support everyday routines and earn their place at home over time.
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